What Happened on April 27?

April 27 is Tell a Story Day — a perfect time to share tales aloud. On this date in 1994 South Africans of all races voted together for the first time, and in 1967 Expo 67 opened in Montreal.

• 1521 — Ferdinand Magellan is killed in the Philippines

  On April 27, 1521, explorer Ferdinand Magellan died in a battle on Mactan Island during the first expedition to sail around the world. Read the full story →

• 1810 — Beethoven composes the bagatelle later known as 'Für Elise'

  Around April 27, 1810, Ludwig van Beethoven wrote a short piano piece he titled 'Bagatelle in A minor' — published decades later as the beloved 'Für Elise.' Read the full story →

• 1865 — The steamboat Sultana explodes on the Mississippi River

  On April 27, 1865, the overloaded steamboat Sultana exploded near Memphis — America's deadliest maritime disaster, killing an estimated 1,800 people. Read the full story →

• 1967 — Expo 67 opens in Montreal, Canada

  On April 27, 1967, Montreal's World's Fair opened with the theme 'Man and His World' — drawing fifty million visitors to futuristic pavilions. Read the full story →

• 1994 — South Africa holds its first democratic elections open to all races

  On April 27, 1994, millions of South Africans — Black, white, and all groups — voted together for the first time, ending apartheid's all-white rule. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Ulysses S. Grant (1822–1885) · Sheena Easton (1959) · Jack Klugman (1922–2012) · Coretta Scott King (1927–2006)

Days & observances

Tell a Story Day · Freedom Day (South Africa) · Morse Code Day · National Babe Ruth Day